7 Week Challenge Starts Today!

[Rachel]

Jackie gave me the idea yesterday of setting a goal for myself to work towards. I do feel very aimless now that I'm not training for a half marathon. At first I was thinking of big things... i.e. marathon, triathalon... but now isn't really the best time because it's winter. And although I know the goal doesn't have to be something physical, that is what I love doing.

So today I finally got it! And it's not even something big- it's a small day to day thing. Christmas is 7 weeks from today. So I am comitting to 30 minutes of activity every single day for the next 7 weeks. At least one day will just be walking to give my body a break... but the other six days will probably be a combination of running and weight training.

I'm excited! And even if I have a day where I don't get it in during the day, I can always walk on the treadmill at night while I watch TV. I'm very fortunate to have that, especially now that it's so cold out.

Anyone want to join me?

Today I feel good about eating... which surprises me and makes me happy. Also the scale said 136.3 which also was a happy surprise! I wonder if I can lose those 11 pounds before Christmas... this challenge should help!

Thanks Jackie! :)

[Erica]

Rachel you sound very excited about this it makes me want to join you. I'm just so scared of failing : ( But I'm going to try my best, I need to work my way back to the gym so if I can start to add in exercise everyday it will make the gym that much easier once I go back. Ok I'm in!

[Tanya]

Hey! Long time no talk! I was just getting caught up on your blogs and I have a few things to throw out there. Please don't take them as insults or anything. I think you look amazing and you are incredibly inspirational. Just a few things jumped out when I read your blogs. With the diet coke - which I love...can drink a whole large bottle myself in a few hours - gross - I didn't realize that there is a ton of sodium on most sodas and this can mean water retention and weight gain. If it's got caffeine in it, more water retention. This can lead to weight gain. Never mind the artificial sweetners everyone always tells me are no good for me! I try to have one or two large glasses of diet soda per week. I try to stick to water and coffee in the mornings. It has helped me to drop some weight. Just a thought. Also, is it possible that your body is more comfortable at the weight you are now? I know for me my goal weight was 15 lbs less than I am now. I am not aiming to get there because my body seems to be able to remain stable at the weight I am at now. I am exercising almost everyday and feel strong and confident. While I don't like the number (the number is high) I don't look that weight and I don't feel that weight. The thing is though, this is realistic. My body wouldn't stay I am sure at the goal WW set out for me. I had to decide what I was satisfied with and what was realistic to maintain. Sometimes I think we set these unrealistic goals and then we just throw in the towel and say what the heck and binge...and the cycle starts all over again. I have been focusing on feeling strong and confident versus worrying about the scale as much and my thoughts are changing. For me now, rather than weighing in and becoming angry, it is about exercising, eating as well as I can, drinking my water, getting as much rest as I can. Rather than having your thoughts constantly swirling around in your head, set some realistic goals for the next 7 weeks and don't beat yourself up. It is a great thing that you are able to identify when you have not eaten all that great and then you get back on track. I also wondered if you were eating enough. Training and running for a half marathon can really make you feel like you have a hollow leg. I wonder if you are eating more because you are hungry. I know it sounds simple but are you getting enough protein? This is so important to make you feel full and to repair muscle. Protein powder is good to use after each run to help this. When you are not eating enough and exercising as much as you were/are your body is telling you that it is hungry - truly hungry. I know it is easier to grab something quick but why not prepare this week and have things like precooked chicken breasts on hand, veggies and fruit cut up, peanut butter and wasa bread is a good one, just have these things ready to satisfy those cravings for sweets and fatty foods. It is quite possible that you are truly hungry...it is just about putting the right things in to your body in order to avoid the sweet/fatty binges. Okay now it's time for me to take some of my own advice! Hope some of this helps and you don't think I am being a know it all....I just couldn't help but really feel what you have been feeling...been there, still there but it's getting better...xoxox

[Jackie]

I'm so happy for you that you found a goal to work towards!! You can do it and I will join you in your challenge for more exercise. We can do a lot of good stuff from now to the end of the year and we will start this NEW decade off right!

[Kristine B]

I commit! With the holidays and my wedding on Jan. 2 I know it will be so easy to let the exercise slide. I know I need to work out every day to maintain my sanity. Thanks for the push!

[Dani]

I'm in! My Vtrim class ends at year end as well, and my goal is 8 lbs., a lb a week. It's do-able but I really need to commit!!

[Maren]

Count me in too! I would also like to lose a few pounds before Christmas. I will commit to 6 days a week...Sundays off..... and I will commit to healthier eating. I refuse to let the holidays get me!

[Sexy Parrothead]

I like this idea! I will attempt to do that as well, I have a gym membership so I really don't have an excuse!

[Robyn]

Count me in Rachel! I'm recommitting today after having gained 8 lbs over the last couple months!

[Lynn]

Hey Rachel! This is a great challenge for yourself and one that you can totally succeed at! I was kind of toying with setting myself up with some sort of end of the year challenge ~ I figured because it is exactly 8 weeks until the year is over.